Your chance to

At a glance

Rides are mostly undulating with a number of optional long climbs and fast descents

Group normally 4 to 15 plus UK leader and local drivers. min age 16

7 nights in 3-star hotels (some with pools) and 1 night in a traditional Moroccan Riad

All breakfast, 6 lunches and 5 dinners

Ride from the Atlas Mountains to the coast

Encompassing the best of Morocco, this trip will take us past the foothills of Mt Toubkal, golden Kasbahs, impressive gorges and the long sandy beach of Essaouira. This spectacular route follows smooth tarmac roads and climbs over high mountain passes that reward you with spectacular vistas of the High Atlas Mountains. A real highlight is riding through Paradise Valley, close to Imouzzer, where a palm-filled valley leads to a high pass with views down to the ocean below. After all the riding we will receive a warm welcome from a range of great hotels including a traditional Riad.

Itinerary

2Day 2Transfer to Tadmamt; cycle in the foothills of Mt Toubkal with beautiful views down to Asni; arrive Dar Elmouahidines.

We transfer out of Marrakech this morning to Tadmamt and begin our cycling journey into the foothills of Mt Toubkal. After a nice warm up on a wonderful undulating road, we enjoy a long descent into the Asni Valley with beautiful views. We then follow the river and cross over a number of bridges before arriving in Dar Elmouahidines and our hotel for the evening.
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The day begins with a challenging climb to the dramatic Tizi n'Test Pass (2100m). After lunch we descend into the Souss Valley, which exports most of their crops thanks to the rich and fertile plateau. Our day is complete when we arrive at Oulad Berhil to enjoy a warm reception, wonderful food and a relaxing evening at our beautiful Riad. This converted palace is a wonderful addition to the end of our day with roaming peacocks and the chance to pick our own fruit straight off the tree.
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4Day 4Cycle towards Tafraoute in Anti Atlas Mountains, passing a mixture of Argan and Almond trees; optional transfer/ride to see the famous Blue Rocks, designed by Belgian artist Jean Verame.

After a morning transfer, we head towards the Anti Atlas Mountains and real southern Morocco. We travel through Argan country trying to spot the incredible tree climbing goats which are famously found here, where an attractive mosque is perfectly set against the rocky cliffs behind. From Irherm, we are surrounded by almond trees and our road has some wonderful ups and downs as we pass through many farms and see how important agriculture continues to be for Berbers. When we arrive in Tafraoute, there is the option to visit the famous Blue Rocks, designed by Belgian artist Jean Verame, which are only 6km away (cycle or drive).

Today we can see how important the colour pink is in Morocco, as we pass many pink houses through various villages. We have a beautiful ride on a quiet road and we can see the scenery change coming out of the Atlas Mountains. After a short photo stop at a golden kasbah, we cycle to Ait Baha Lake and then transfer to Agadir.
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6Day 6Spectacular ride through the Paradise Valley to Imouzzer.

Today we enjoy a truly spectacular ride through the Paradise Valley to Imouzzer, one of the most dramatic rides on our route. Originally the home of the Ida Outanane Berber tribe, Imouzzer reflects a strong cultural identity. We spend the night in a very comfortable hotel here.
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7Day 7Ride from Imouzzer towards the lovely coastal town of Essaouira where we stay in a traditional Riad.

We start cycling from the front door and our route reveals a very different landscape today, as we take on a challenging climb to a beautiful viewpoint across the Atlantic Ocean and our destination for the evening, Essaouira. This charming old Portuguese fishing port dates back to the 15th Century, but the present town was constructed around 1760 by Sidi Mohammed ben Abdullah, who needed a base from which to suppress a revolt from Agadir. Today, Essaouira is extremely relaxed and its whitewashed houses with painted shutters, artisan's workshops, boatyards and fishermen provide a marked contrast to Marrakech. There are also many pleasant cafes and some outstanding seafood restaurants to sample before staying overnight in a traditional Riad Hotel.

8Day 8Free morning in Essaouira then transfer to Marrakech to explore the bazaars off Djemaa el Fna Square or visit the beautiful Majorelle Gardens.

After a free morning to explore lovely Essaouira, we transfer to the vibrant city of Marrakech. Simply enjoy a freshly squeezed orange juice in one of the many rooftop cafï¿½s overlooking the Djemma El Fna, or perhaps take a calï¿½che (a bright green horse drawn carriage) ride to the peaceful Majorelle Gardens. These small but tranquil gardens are decorated throughout in Indigo Blue and house the small Museum of Islamic Art in the grounds. A final treat would be to go for a hammam, a traditional Moroccan steam bath. A visit to Djemma el Fna Square this evening is the ultimate reward for our week's cycling - with snake charmers, story tellers, smoky food stalls and souks, there is no other way to experience the exciting atmosphere of Marrakech.See more images and videos

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Adult Group

This is a small group adult holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are moderately fit and have an interest in remote or challenging environments. Some previous experience is required for activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

Arrival & departure transfers

What's not included

Travel insurance

Bike hire (available locally from GBP100 paid on booking)

Single accommodation (available on request from GBP95)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Hotels & Riad

We stay in a mixture of hotels and small privately owned riads throughout the trip. A riad is a large Moroccan house or palace with an interior courtyard or garden normally containing a swimming pool; they are usually very well decorated in a traditional Moroccan style. One of the raids has a fantastic fruit garden surrounding the property; we can pick our own fruit directly from the trees and enjoy a swim in the pool.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
No visa required by British passport holders.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Tetanus and Hepatitis A. Holiday style

Southern Morocco enjoys a warm climate from October through to March and although there is always the chance of rain, this is unlikely during this period. It can be very hot during late April and September. A good level of fitness is required for this trip as there are some climbs, with 21km as the longest.
Terrain and route: surface 90% tarmac, 10% unsurfaced road. Average daily distance: 68km (42 miles). Great riding mainly on good quality tarmac with the occasional rougher section. Rides are mostly undulating with a number of optional long climbs and fast descents. There is an ongoing programme of road upgrading going on in Morocco and the quality of the tarmac seems to improve every year . However, there may be some sections of the route on rough terrainer or dirt tracks and for that reason we don't currently recommend the use of drop bar road bikes on this trip. Our hire bikes for this trip are mountain bike fitted with narrow slick tyres. As the trip is fully vehicle supported, you can cut out the climbs and ride as much or as little as you like.

Eating & drinking

Moroccan food is excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread, croissants and jam with tea or coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice. Meals eaten out are reasonably priced - a lamb or chicken tagine (a local speciality) will cost about GBP5. In main towns it is possible to find very good French and Moroccan restaurants where a meal and French wine will cost anything from GBP15 upwards. Local beers, wines and soft drinks are available at very reasonable prices, but you can pay UK prices or more for imported alcohol. Your leader can help recommend restaurants for the two evenings where dinner is not included.
Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian tajine, cous cous, omelettes and salad. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip.
Please note that if you have any special dietary requirements you should inform the Exodus Office prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (i.e. coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some items of food with you from home.
Your mineral drinking water is included whilst cycling.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

Weather & seasonality

Mountains can always make their own weather and as a result we may occasionally be forced to amend the itinerary for part of the trip. On the plains, the days are usually warm to hot (above 25degC) but the nights are cooler. In the higher areas and the mountains, days should be warm or even hot in October and April, with clear skies, but the nights are often cold. On the high ridges of the High Atlas there is sometimes snow, but not normally enough to affect the areas we cycle in - in the event of a track being closed we will arrange a suitable alternative ride. Rainfall in the areas we visit is relatively low though there is a chance of rain particularly on trips in December, January and February. Although unusual, there is also the possibility of much colder weather during these times.

Gallery

Reviews & community

A well run, well paced trip. Cycling was excellent but there are few flat roads in Morocco! Weather perfect. Accommodation is adequate but one cannot expect more in remote parts of the country. Some places had character. Food generally not great in accommodation but adequate.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Cycling in the Atlas and Anti Atlas Mountains - scenery superb.

What did you think of your group leader?

Radu was very good - enthusiastic, helpful, knowledgeable etc.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be aware there are few flat roads on this trip. On several days you climb 700 / 900 / 1100m. Longest descent is 1400m, all in one section, which is superb - if you like that sort of thing. Some sections of road have been washed out so there are issues of poor surfaces and loose gravel but generally you are warned in advance and with careful riding we had no problems. Roads are generally very quiet.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is a cycling trip so there is little time for sight-seeing. If you have not been to Marrakesh before then an extra day there, including the services of a tour guide for part of the day, would be worth it.

What a fabulous trip, exactly what I was looking for. Cycling in the mountains and valley's of Morocco to the coastal towns of Agadir and Essaouira. A great way to see such a variety of landscapes and towns. Radu our guide and our two drivers were superb, professional throughout and could not have been more helpful. Just make sure you take enough warm clothes if you go early February!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Achieving some of the climbs was a personal challenge. However the local people throughout the country were beautiful and welcoming. Seemed so happy to see these crazy people on bikes!

What did you think of your group leader?

Radu was superb. Informative, professional, sociable and with a sense of humour and such patience! He managed the whole group so well and we were all looked after.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This trip was at the beginning of Feb and it was a lot colder than aniticipated, even in the accommodation so do ensure you take enough warm layers.

I would also suggest £100 is not enough for the week and £200 is a more accurate figure.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I absolutely loved this trip and cannot recommend it highly enough. Challenging cycling in stunning landscapes but achieveable due to breaks and pacing. To finish cycling in Essaouira was the perfect end to this trip - a beautiful coastal town.

Surprisingly diverse mountain landscapes and the two extremes of Morocco's coastal tourist spots (Agadir and Essaouira).

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Day 7 from Imouzzer towards Essaouira, with a dangerous descent behind us and the road following a palm-fringed river amongst traditional villages. Glorious.

What did you think of your group leader?

Tug was an affable fellow, but unfortunately didn't have much common language with the local 'guides' who did all the driving, lunch preparation and (through their company) the hotel bookings. It did seem a bit odd to have a Brit in charge when the Moroccans were doing all the work.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

There are numerous long ascents, but these can easily be tackled by dropping into a low gear and twiddling - none are insurmountable to the moderately fit!

I don't normally cycle with a helmet, but was glad I took mine, as some the descents are pretty hairy - made more so by the frequent road works and quantities of gravel on the roads.

As a vegetarian I endured some memorably awful meals, surviving on omelettes (the last of which provided a memorable post-holiday bonus).

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Some of the group struggled to obtain hot water in their rooms - and frankly, some of the hotels were basic, rather than 'standard'. 'No frills' might be the fairest description, although the new group hotel in Marrakech was great.

Insufficiently frequent doses of Berber Whisky, with or without sugar!

Arguably the best travelled man in Britain, Phil has notched up over 100 countries since joining Exodus sometime (he won't tell us exactly) in the 1980s. His 10 years driving Exodus Overland Expeditions around Asia, Africa and South America included 3 north-south traverses of Sudan and various visits to Afghanistan. Office work has slightly tamed the man, and interests now lean more towards trekking - Dolpo in Western Nepal; and biking - wine trails of France.

After a childhood spent in foreign countries and the post university travelling, Jim ended up in travel almost by accident. Since then he has worked in a variety of travel positions and has discovered a love for Asia. Jim's passion started when he arrived in Mongolia after an epic journey on the Trans Siberian Railway. Since then he has travelled vast swathes of the continent and has a lot more planned for the future. His next stop will hopefully be Bhutan.

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

Can you always guarantee a bike available to hire locally?

‘In-country’ bike hire should be arranged at the time of booking, and the cost will be added to your invoice. Please note that there are a limited number of bikes available locally. We always have to match a person's height to the bike frame size and, as there are a limited amount of each size, we cannot always guarantee availability of the correct frame. Therefore it is recommended you add the local bike hire as early as possible.

Andy Ross - Product Manager

What is the accommodation like in southern Morocco?

Morocco is opening up more and more to mainstream tourism due to increasing coverage from airlines, which has improved the general standard of accommodation in some areas while other areas are still catching up so please be prepared for a variety of accommodation, from quite basic to very comfortable.

All the hotels we use are clean and functional although the rooms and facilities may be basic and limited and the breakfasts simple. On Day 3 we stay in a beautiful Riad where we can pick our own fruit directly from the tree and enjoy a swim in the pool. Two other hotels over the week also have swimming pools.

Amanda Ceraolo - Trip Manager

What is Moroccan food like?

Moroccan cuisine is very diverse, with many influeneces due to the interaction of Morocco with the outside world for centuries. The cuisine of Morocco is a mix of Berber, Moorish, Mediterranean and Arab influences. The main Moroccan dish most people are familiar with is couscous, usually eaten with beef or lamb. Chicken is also very common and the importance of seafood is increasing, especially on the coast. Vegetarians won't have any problems either, although choice can be more limited in remote locations.

The common and tasty tajine is everywhere, a mouth watering stew with meat and vegetables. Green tea with mint is the drink of choice, and you can pick up bocadillos (sandwiches) from street stalls everywhere - you won't go hungry!

Olly Leicester - Sales

What is the best way to take money to Morocco?

The Moroccan currency is the Dirham and cannot be imported or exported, as it is a 'closed' currency. We suggest you take your personal spending money in good condition notes, either in £, Euros or US$. Local costs - it depends! - £2-4 per day to cover postcards, small souvenirs, soft drinks etc; £15 a day for food is fine (if it's not included).

Danuta Janik - Morocco Operations

What kind of clothing is best in a Muslim country?

You are visiting a predominantly Muslim country, therefore you should dress modestly at all times when visiting cultural sites, and there may also be times when you are asked to 'cover up'. During your trip the tour leader will always advise you on appropriate dress for each day's activities.

If you are asked to 'cover up', you'll need to cover your shoulders, arms and legs. We recommend packing lightweight trousers or a long skirt, and a long sleeved shirt. Women may also be required to cover their hair with a scarf if entering a mosque or religious quarters.

Jim Eite - Product Manager

Will Ramadan affect my trip?

Please note that the holy month of Ramadan will take place during specific dates each year, the actual dates will be listed in the respective Trip Notes. This is a time when followers of Islam do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. This can sometimes affect the opening hours of certain tourist sites. However we will ensure that that the itinerary is affected as little as possible if you travel during this period. Food and drink is available to tourists during the day.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

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